What is a study permit?
A study permit is a written authorization that allows a foreign national to engage in academic, professional, vocational or other education or training that is more than six months in duration at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
What Are the Conditions of a Canadian Study Permit?
There are certain terms and conditions attached to a Canadian study permit. You must respect these conditions in order to retain all the benefits of your study experience.
- You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- You must be enrolled as a part-time student, or a full-time student if studying in Quebec
- You must not take any authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your program of study
What is the procedure?
Note for New students(the initial study permit applicant)
If you apply for an initial study permit outside of Canada, you do not need to apply separately for a TRV. If your study permit is approved and a TRV is required, you will be issued a TRV along with your study permit.
You need these documents to apply for a study permit:
- proof of acceptance from a DLI (Designated learning institution )
- proof of identity
- proof of financial support
- a letter of explanation
- a certificat d’acceptation du Québec ( if accepted by Quebec, CAQ)
- a custodian declaration (minors only), or
- other documents
- If we request documents from you for an application in progress.
Proof of acceptance
Your school must send you a letter of acceptance. Include the original or electronic copy of your letter with your study permit application.
Conditional acceptance and prerequisite courses
If you’ve been conditionally accepted, this means you need to take prerequisite courses. For example, these might be English as a second language(Or EAP, English for Academic Purpose) or French as second language courses. You must complete these before you can start your main study program.
If this is the case, IRCC will only issue your study permit for the length of those courses plus 1 year. Once you’re accepted into your main program, you’ll need to apply for a new student permit to extend your stay as a student.
Exceptions
If you’re the family member of someone who has a study permit or work permit application that’s been approved in writing before you come to Canada, you don’t need a letter of acceptance.
Proof of identity
When applying for your study permit, you and each family member who comes with you to Canada must have
- a valid passport or travel document
- Online applicants: Upload a copy of the information page of your passport when you apply online.
- If you’re approved, you must then send us your original passport.
- Citizens of the United States have some options on the identification documents they can carry.
- Online applicants: Upload a copy of the information page of your passport when you apply online.
- two recent passport-size photos
- The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo.
Proof of financial support
You must prove that you can support yourself, and the family members who come with you, while you are in Canada.
You can prove your funds with:
- proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- your bank statements in your home country for the past 4 months
- a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- proof you paid tuition and housing fees
- a letter from the person or school giving you money, or
- proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
Minimum funds needed to support yourself as a student (and family members who come with you):
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (doesn’t include tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (additional to the tuition) |
|---|---|---|
| You (the student) | CAN$10,000 | CAN$833 |
| First family member | CAN$4,000 | CAN$333 |
| Every additional accompanying family member | CAN$3,000 | CAN$255 |
Example:
If you and 2 family members want to come to a province (other than Quebec) for a year, you will need
- living expenses: $10,000 (for the student)
- living expenses: $4,000 (for the first family member)
- living expenses: $3,000 (for the second family member)
Total: $17,000
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (additional to the tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (additional to the tuition) |
|---|---|---|
| You (the student) | CAN$11,000 | CAN$917 |
| First family member (18 years or older) | CAN$5,100 | CAN$425 |
| First family member (under the age of 18) | CAN$3,800 | CAN$317 |
| Every additional accompanying family member (18 years or older) | CAN$5,125 | CAN$427 |
| Every additional accompanying family member (under the age of 18) | CAN$1,903 | CAN$159 |
Example
If you and 2 family members (over the age of 18) want to come to Quebec for a year, you will need
- living expenses: $11,000 (for the student)
- living expenses: $5,100 (for the first family member 18 or older)
- living expenses: $5,125 (for the second family member 18 or older)
Total: $21,225
If your country uses foreign exchange controls, you must prove that you’ll be allowed to export funds for all of your expenses.
Letter of explanation
This letter helps the visa officer to understand you and your goals. It explains
- why you want to study in Canada and
- that you understand your responsibilities as a student
You should include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit, even if you don’t have to get a study permit for your program.
Certificat d’acceptation du Québec
If you want to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you need a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Gouvernement du Québec. Your school can give you all the details on how to apply for the CAQ.
If your application for a CAQ got approved by the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), but you’re still waiting to get the CAQ, you can apply for your study permit with the approval letter from the MIFI. You don’t need to wait for the CAQ to apply.
in Quebec for less than 6 months, you can apply for a study permit without a CAQ.
Custodian declaration (minor children)
If the minor requires a custodian, you must include the Custodianship Declaration form with your application. It has 2 pages that must be notarized (certified by a notary) and then included with your study permit application.
The custodian in Canada must sign the first page, and the parents or legal guardians of the minor child in the child’s home country must sign the second page.
Other documents
Check the visa office instructions for your country or region for local requirements.
If you aren’t currently in your home country, you may have to prove your immigration status in the country you apply from.
If the government that issued your passport or travel document needs you to have a re-entry permit, you must get one before you apply for a Canadian visa. You may also need other documents.
If IRCC request documents from you for an application in progress
- They’ll contact you to request the supporting documents.
- This will happen in the next few months.
- You’ll have 30 days from the date we contact you to submit the information.
- Start collecting your documents.
- Do this before IRCC contact you. It can take time to get certain documents.
- Check the last email we sent you to confirm what you need to submit.
- Don’t travel to another city or country to get the supporting documents.
Reasons for Student Visa Refusal and Tips
International students fulfilling all the minimum criteria for admissions and visa are usually optimistic towards the decision. It is, however, observed that a study permit may be refused even when the applicant fulfils academic and admission requirements for an institution and the IRCC requirements. Some of the popular refusal reasons are as follows:
Financial Insufficiency
Proof of sufficient funds for the first year of the study program is the minimum requirement for studying in Canada. However, the Canadian student visa application may be refused if the immigration officer believes that the student does not meet this requirement. Applicants can address this point by ensuring that they do not merely focus on the minimum fund required. Proof of adequate funds for more than one year, along with the additional documents supporting the finances can be included along with the application. Applicant must research cost to studying and living in Canada before applying for study visa.
Tip: If your study in Canada is around two years, we recommend you provide C$100,000 savings in your bank account. The idea is that you provide the annual C$ 50,000, timing the length of your study.
Whether you have secured sufficient funds, and you shall provide the the letter of support from your families.
You must pay the full-year(the first year) tuition fees and accommodation fees.
Intent of Return to Home Country
As the study permit is a temporary visa, it has a validity period. The applicants are required to submit enough proof of intent to return to their home country. This does not suggest that the applicant cannot extend their study visa or obtain a Canadian Permanent Residency. It is mandatory to provide documents suggesting the intent of return to ensure that the applicant will not stay in Canada after the expiration of the study permit. Applicants can address this concern with a detailed personal statement.
Tip: You will need to provide strong bonds and ties with your home country which can include these following documents but are not limited to:
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- Your spouse/children stay behind in your home country, and have no intention to join you in Canada; Your spouse has a stable and decent job in your home country who cannot give up his/her career and is unwilling to start over in Canada. Your spouse provides you the letter of support and commitment to staying in the home country.
- You have signed a work contract or have an employment offer with an employer in your home country. Or your previous employer will retain your current position and offer you a promote upon return.
- You have real estates and are financially-established in your home country.
- Provide sufficient photos , documents, and paystubs as proof.
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Lack of Job Prospects in Home Country
Job opportunities in the applicant’s home country is an indication of the intent to return to the home country. Applicant should indicate that how they will be able to secure a job offer in their home country after completing their studies in Canada. Applicants need to explain how Canadian education and/or experience will enrich their profile in securing a job in their home country.
Choice of Study Program/Change of Study Program
In cases where the chosen study program does not align with the applicant’s academic and/or or employment background, the chances of visa rejection are increased. Applicants can address this point by including a detailed personal statement for the choice of program in case it does not align with previous education or work experience. For applicants, whose choice aligns with the previous background, a detailed education history or work history can be attached along with the applications.
Tip: If the gap between your high school and college/university study is too long (over 5 years) , please provide reasonable explanation in those gaps, your employment history, pay subs from your employment ,and why you suddenly made the decision to study in Canada at your thirties or even forties .
Letter of Acceptance
An official letter of acceptance from a Canadian DLI is required for applying for a study permit. If the applicant’s letter of acceptance is in question, the study visa may be refused. Along with the letter of acceptance, the applicants are required to meet the minimum entry requirements for the specific institution. If the visa officer doubts whether the minimum requirements are met by the applicant, the student visa may be refused. Applicants can address this point by ensuring that the educational institute they receive an LOA is registered.
Tip: if your previous Academic GPA is too low, you can choose not to submit the academic transcripts; in case it is requested, you must provide the circumstances that affected your academic record.
English Language Proficiency
Non-native English-speaking international students are required to submit proof of language proficiency. Applicants are required to meet the minimum standardized English language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TOEFL) when applying for student visa. Even if the applicant has the minimum score meeting the DLI requirements, failing to meet the program requirements may result in the refusal of a student visa. Applicants must also ensure that the minimum score requirements for the specific program are met.
Tip: You’d better provide IELTS Academic or General result over Band 6, with the minimum 6 on each item. If you are accepted into the program via the ESL pathway, please provide this acceptance letter and the proof of you taking the ESL class.
Incomplete Travel or Identity Documents
In cases where there are too many blank spaces in the travel history with a lack of proof of supporting evidence to cover those periods, the study permit may be refused. If the identity documents are incomplete or are not easy to read, the chances of Canadian student visa refusal are accelerated. Applicants must ensure that the travel history is justified with sufficient evidence and/or documents. The identity documents provided must be clear and easily readable for ensuring that the visa is not refused because of the above-mentioned reason.
Hide Military Services, government positions, etc.
Tip: Don’t hide any of your military services, government positions or parties you have joined. Instead you can provide a reasonable explanation of your services in your personal statement.
If you study permit are still rejected after addressing all the above issues, you can re-submit and gather much stronger evidence.
If you want to hire a lawyer for the Judicial Review from an immigration lawyer, you can contact one. The lawyer can request the GCMS Notes for you per the consent form.
About restoration of status
If your temporary status in Canada (e.g. your study permit) has expired and you did not apply for an extension before the expiry date, you must apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry date if you want to stay in Canada. This process is known as restoration of status.
Who can apply
You may apply if:
You lost your temporary resident status (e.g. as a student) because you remained in Canada longer than the period authorized for your stay, but not longer than 90 days.
You continue to meet the initial requirements for your stay and have not failed to comply with any other conditions imposed.
You may stay in Canada after you apply for restoration, but you are not allowed to study or work in Canada until your application for restoration has been approved.
How to apply
- Apply for restoration and an extension of your study permit online
- Pay the $150.00 CAD study permit extension fee and the $200.00 CAD restoration fee
- On your application, you must provide full details of all the facts and circumstances
- You can only apply for restoration from within Canada.
It is up to IRCC to decide if your student status can be restored.
Processing times vary, but restoration can take several months. In rare circumstances and for citizens of certain countries, leaving Canada and re-applying for a new permit might be a quicker option than applying for restoration of status.
What are the Common reasons for student visa rejection? (the brief version from IRCC)
We have summed up the most common reasons for student visa rejection in Canada:
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- Financial background: The immigration department may find that you are not financially stable to support yourself while studying in Canada. You need to prove that you can arrange for sufficient funds until you stay in Canada.
- Academic performance: While applying for a Student Visa, you must have required academic credits or scores set by your educational institution and the Canadian government to secure the approval.
- Letter of acceptance: To apply for a study permit, you must produce a letter of acceptance from a registered Canadian educational institution. Your visa application will not be granted without this letter.
- IELTS or TOEFL Score: Whether you are applying under the SDS, PNP, or SPP program, you need to secure the minimum IELTS, or TOEFL Score set under these programs for securing a student visa. This score proves your English language proficiency.
- Intention of immigration: Whether you use this study permit for the sole purpose of immigration , and you have close ties/bonds with your home country
- Letter of Support: Whether you have secured sufficient funds, and you have the the letter of support from your families
